Curves Brings First Women-Only Fitness Studio to Kuantan, Pahang
Curves Malaysia announces the opening of its first East Coast women-only fitness studio in Kuantan, Pahang. This new franchise, owned by Nik Aloesniha, marks a significant milestone in bringing accessible wellness to women.
For Nik, the journey began with a life-changing turning point. Once a lecturer in Mass Communications, she later juggled running three nurseries and a kindergarten while raising her children.
Stress, weight gain, and a difficult pregnancy left her facing gestational diabetes. After her son Amyr’s birth, she struggled to even bend during prayers. At just 39 years old, she feared a future of insulin, immobility, or worse; leaving her children without their mother.
“It was terrifying. Amyr was still a baby, while my daughter Amyra had a long way to go in school. I kept asking myself: who will take care of them if I don’t?” she recalls.
Determined to fight back, Nik began her wellness journey during Ramadan in 2020, losing 8kg and walking daily on a treadmill - through tears and knee pain. It was during this period that she stumbled upon Curves Bandar Utama, a women-only gym, while taking her son to tuition. Encouraged by Curves coach Elle, Nik found a safe space where she could rebuild her strength and confidence.
“Curves changed everything-my mind, my body, my friendships. I didn’t just lose weight; I gained a community. I knew I had to bring this transformation home to help other women like me,” she says.
Now, as the first Curves franchise owner on the East Coast, Nik is driven by her mission: to educate women about the importance of strength training, self-care, and community support. The fitness studio offers a 30-minute cardio workout designed specifically for women, combining strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and stretching into a comprehensive circuit with hydraulic equipment.
“So many women here give their all to their families but forget themselves. At Curves, they only need 30 minutes. That’s the gift I want to give East Coast women.”
Her journey into business ownership wasn’t easy. Moving her family to Kuantan, leaving relatives behind, and starting fresh was daunting. But with mentorship, training, and the support of a PERNAS loan for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, she has turned her vision into reality.
The Kuantan outlet officially opened its doors on 25 August 2025. With Curves’ proven system and women-only environment, the studio provides a safe, welcoming space for women of all ages and fitness levels.
For gym-goers who want to be part of this empowering movement and support women’s wellness, visit www.curves.com.my to learn more or sign up today.
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Calling All KL Folks!
Jom “NGOPI DULU” at Bukit Bintang on 1 October!
Igniting Malaysians' Spirit with ‘Lagu Kental Bersama’ Song by
NESCAFÉ and Black Hanifah this International Coffee Day
Every Malaysian has their own purpose – whether it’s for family, community or personal dreams. But one thing unites us all: the spirit to stay strong, or Kekal Kental, through life’s daily hustle and grind. This International Coffee Day, NESCAFÉ is honouring that resilience with Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama, an aspirational movement created by Malaysians, for Malaysians.
On 1 October 2025 (Wednesday), the streets of Bukit Bintang will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of perseverance, inviting both locals and travellers to pause, recharge and reflect on what it means to kekal kental. From morning through night, the city centre will buzz with activities highlighting everyday grit and determination. Surrounding billboards will beam powerful and heartfelt messages of Malaysians sharing their own Kental stories.
The celebration will culminate in “Konsert Kental” – an open-air music extravaganza in the heart of Bukit Bintang from 8.00 pm onwards! Headlining the night is Black Hanifah, who will perform the debut of Lagu Kental Bersama, a new anthem inspired by real Malaysian stories of tenacity [Check out the teaser here ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3amJD46r_XI], alongside electrifying performances by Hazama Azmi, Genji Buskers and more, lifting spirits and bringing the day to a close on a high note.
The campaign also shines a light on three inspiring personalities – Black Hanifah, Dr. Madhu aka Dr. Teddy Bear and Kak Dell – each representing different walks of life, different purposes but the same enduring spirit of staying kental.
To add to the excitement, the public can soak up the vibrancy with engaging on-ground games, exclusive giveaways and the chance to grab limited-edition NESCAFÉ goodie bags and memorabilia autographed by Black Hanifah.
Be the first to preview and sample the soon-to-debut new Nescafé product which will TRIPLE your love and joy for strong coffee!
Jom Datang Beramai-ramai!!!
Mark your diaries and join us for the NESCAFÉ “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama” celebration on 1 October 2025 (Wednesday) at Bukit Bintang, in front of Lot 10, H&M!
For Malaysians, by Malaysians. Stay stronger, stay kental.!
#KonsertKental
#LaguKentalBersama
#NgopiDuluDanKekalKentalBersama
#NescafeMY
A Legacy in Gold: Wah Chan Celebrates 70 Years of Timeless Elegance
Wah Chan, one of Malaysia’s most established jewellers, proudly marks its 70th anniversary, celebrating seven decades of craftsmanship, trust, and cherished connections with Malaysians. Since its founding in 1955, the brand has grown from a single shop in Pekan to over 50 outlets nationwide, offering personalised services that range from custom design to gold investment and lifetime care. This milestone not only honours Wah Chan’s journey but also pays tribute to the countless memories its jewellery has helped create across generations.
The Wah Chan story began with a husband-and-wife team, Mr. Koh Kui Wah and Mrs. Lai Swee Chan, whose shared passion for jewellery craftsmanship and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for the brand. From its humble beginnings as a small goldsmith shop, Wah Chan steadily evolved into a trusted household name with their extensive collection of jewellery ranging from gold to diamonds. Over the decades, its offerings expanded beyond traditional yellow gold to include an extensive collection of diamond, jade, and gemstone jewellery, pieces that have become part of life’s most meaningful moments, from proposals and weddings to anniversaries and family celebrations.
At the heart of Wah Chan’s success is its endearing love and commitment to quality and artistry, where each collection reflects a balance of tradition and modern elegance. Designed to suit every generation and occasion, each piece has a dedicated team of artisans, gemologists, and designers blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, ensuring that every creation embodies both timeless beauty and lasting value.
“For seventy years, Wah Chan has been more than a jeweller – we have been a part of people’s most memorable moments,” said Amanda Koo, Director of Wah Chan Jewellery. “Jewellery is not just adornment – it is love, legacy, and self-expression. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, marking a momentous event, or even serving as an investment, our curated pieces have been part of the journey with our customers. This milestone is not just ours; it belongs to every customer who has chosen Wah Chan to celebrate their story. We are deeply grateful for the trust we’ve received across generations, and we remain committed to creating timeless jewellery that will continue to be part of your legacy”
Exclusive 70th Anniversary Collection
To commemorate seven decades of craftsmanship and trust, Wah Chan proudly unveils Love Infinity, a premium jewellery collection that redefines the meaning of love across generations. More than adornment, Love Infinity is a celebration of love in all its forms; self, spouse, children, and family, with each colour symbolising a timeless blessing:
At the heart of the collection is the Love Infinity 24K Bracelet, Wah Chan’s first-ever customisable 24K designer bracelet and personally designed by Amanda Koo. Limited to just 70 exclusive pieces worldwide, each bracelet is engraved with the Wah Chan 70th Anniversary blessing logo, accompanied by a certified report, and comes with a lifetime privilege of two complimentary exchanges. The Love Infinity 24K Bracelet will launch at a starting price of RM4,950, with prices rising in later phases. The exclusive is available now for preorder at any of 56 Wah Chan outlets nationwide.
Adding to the celebration, Wah Chan also introduces the 70th Anniversary Gold Bar, a collector’s piece designed with blessings of balance, health, love, longevity, and wealth. 70 lucky buyers of this gold bar carries a unique privilege: a 100% Buy Back option for 7 years and a guaranteed 7% annual growth for 3 years. Priced at RM3,000, and appreciating in value to RM3,630 by the end of its cycle, the 70th Anniversary Gold Bar is an investment in both heritage and prosperity.
Celebrate 70 Years of Love
Running until 13 December 2025, the “Celebrate 70 Years of Love” campaign invites customers to be part of the journey through exclusive promotions, weekend experiences, and special rewards. More than just a celebration, the campaign strengthens Wah Chan’s bond with customers while shining a light on the elegance and heritage that define the brand.
Wah Chan’s “Celebrate 70 Years of Love” campaign includes:
Wah Chan’s 70th anniversary campaign will also include interactive activities including a couple's fun run on 30th November, “Love in Every Step Fun Duo Run”, where couples, friends, or families in pairs can participate. Additionally, Wah Chan will also be hosting a special contest, “AI Song & Wah Chan Dance”, in collaboration with local colleges and dance schools.
Wah Chan celebrates their anniversary as a reminder that jewellery is never just an adornment, it is a symbol of love, a cherished moment, and a legacy passed forward. As Wah Chan steps into its next chapter, it does so with the same spirit of trust and artistry that began in a small town 70 years ago – today serving Malaysians its elegant pieces.
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(Manminder Kaur Dhillon, Founder & CEO of Supernewsroom AI)
AI Trusts News Over Keywords, Supernewsroom.AI Reveals
Brands must pivot from SEO to AI visibility, with news and authority signals leading the way
Forget SEO tricks and keyword stuffing. In the AI era, news coverage has become the true measure of brand credibility. Platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity no longer draw answers from random blogs or low-quality sites. Instead, they rely on trusted newsrooms, encyclopaedic repositories, and even community forums like Reddit, where discussions provide additional context that AI systems increasingly reference.
That shift was the focus of a recent webinar, “AI for PR: Winning AI Searches”, led by Manminder Kaur Dhillon, founder of Supernewsroom.AI. She noted that mentions in credible outlets such as Reuters, AP, and BBC — the very sources AI platforms reference most.
One of the most striking insights shared during the webinar was the rapid rise of news citations in AI outputs. In early 2024, only about 9% of AI-generated citations came from news publishers1. By mid-2025, this figure had nearly tripled to 27%, underscoring the centrality of journalism in powering generative answers2.
The Shift from SEO to Authority Signals
For decades, brands focused on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), mastering keywords, backlinks, and page rankings to ensure visibility on Google. But as Dhillon explained, Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is now emerging as the new frontier. Rather than ranking webpages, AI systems surface citations — pulling content from sources they trust to answer user queries.
These authority signals include:
“Search once revolved around backlinks and keywords. Now, AI visibility is governed by trust signals — what the model deems authoritative enough to cite,” said Dhillon. “It’s not enough to optimise for Google anymore. Brands must be present in the news, in encyclopaedias like Wikipedia, and in trusted expert-driven platforms if they want AI to recognise them.”
News as the Cornerstone of AI Citations
Leading outlets dominate this space. Reuters accounts for more than one-fifth of ChatGPT’s news citations, while the Associated Press, Financial Times, BBC, Time, and Forbes regularly appear among the most-cited domains3. Encyclopaedic sources such as Wikipedia also remain highly influential, often serving as a baseline for factual grounding4.
The implications for brands are profound. Traditional advertising or SEO-driven content is unlikely to surface unless it appears within these trusted, high-authority sources. Brands that fail to secure coverage in respected outlets risk being invisible in AI-powered search results.
Different Models, Different Behaviours
The webinar also explored how leading AI platforms differ in their use of authority signals:
These differences suggest that brands need a multi-pronged strategy: aligning with traditional news outlets to gain traction in ChatGPT, while also engaging with encyclopaedic, multimedia, and community sources to remain visible in Gemini and Perplexity.
Rethinking Brand Strategy for AI Visibility
Dhillon stressed that the shift represents a fundamental challenge — and opportunity — for brands.
“Getting cited by AI is the new credibility,” she said. “News, Wikipedia, podcasts, Reddit threads, research, and institutional reports are the signals AI trusts. Brands that want to stay relevant must start thinking like sources, not just marketers.”
Dhillon urged brands to:
“We are watching the rules of visibility being rewritten. AI doesn’t reward keywords the way search engines did — it rewards authority. The question for brands now is whether they are creating signals that AI will trust and surface,” said Dhillon.
The webinar drew communications leaders, publishers, and business executives eager to understand the new dynamics of discovery in an AI-first world, where these platforms have become the gatekeepers of information. The message was clear: in a generative AI landscape, visibility is no longer defined by keywords and backlinks — it is determined by trust signals, with news at the centre of that ecosystem.
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KUALA LUMPUR: Zoom Communications has launched AI Companion 3.0, its latest suite of agentic AI capabilities designed to transform collaboration and customer experience across the Zoom platform.
Zoom founder and chief executive Eric S. Yuan said the upgrades mark a new era of intelligent work assistance. He made the announcement at the Zoomtopia 2025, the company’s flagship annual conference.
“Our customers’ most important conversations happen on Zoom, and now those conversations can result in critical insights to fuel real progress,” he explained.
“With AI Companion 3.0, our agentic AI can understand users’ specific context, priorities, and goals to help them cut through the noise, focus on what matters most, and drive meaningful business outcomes.”
AI Companion 3.0 builds on Zoom’s vision of a unified platform with AI as an intelligent layer. The system not only helps with note-taking and task tracking but also integrates across meetings, phone calls, chats and emails.
Among the new features are outcome-focused prompts, group assistance, and in-meeting recommendations. Zoom said these skills are designed to help users stay on top of priorities while reducing the burden of routine administrative work.
Users can now interact with the AI Companion through a dedicated work surface in web browsers and the Zoom Workplace desktop app. This interface adapts dynamically to provide contextual suggestions and consolidate information from conversations, documents, and external research into actionable insights.
The update also introduces advanced writing and research capabilities, enabling users to generate comprehensive reports and polished documents by drawing from both internal enterprise knowledge and public data sources.
Expanding platform innovation
According to Yuan, Zoom is also extending AI to other areas of its ecosystem.
New lifelike meeting avatars, the ability to generate clips from presentations, and support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) are among the features being rolled out.
The company is also adding real-time voice translation to Zoom Meetings, with independent tests showing its accuracy surpasses rival services in English-French and English-Spanish translations.
Customisation options have also been expanded. A new low-code Custom AI Companion builder allows administrators to deploy tailored AI agents using pre-built templates and third-party integrations.
The add-on is priced at US$12 per user, per month. Standard AI Companion 3.0 features will be available at no extra cost for paid Zoom Workplace accounts starting November 2025.
Beyond workplace collaboration, Zoom announced enhancements to its Business Services suite. Zoom Virtual Agent (ZVA) and Customer Experience (CX) tools are being updated with AI-driven features such as Agentic AI Expert Assist, CX Insights, and Automated Quality Management.
The company also introduced “bring your own voice” functionality for ZVA, allowing firms to personalise customer interactions. Meanwhile, the Zoom Revenue Accelerator gains new skills to help sales teams with prospecting, outreach and scheduling.
PAVILION DAMANSARA HEIGHTS SCORES MAIDEN WIN AT PPKM’S ‘BEST EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING’ AWARDS 2024-2025
Recognition marks Pavilion Damansara Heights’ successful debut as a new icon of lifestyle, community and joy in Kuala Lumpur.
Pavilion Damansara Heights has won Platinum in Category B (malls with net lettable area of 500,001 sq ft to 999,999 sq ft) for ‘Best Experiential Marketing’ Awards 2024-2025 at the recent Shopping Centre Conference 2025 with its festive campaign themed 'Heights of Happiness'. The prestigious accolade, awarded by the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK Malaysia), recognised how the campaign reimagined Chinese New Year celebrations – blending heritage, artistry and modern lifestyle experiences to bring cultural storytelling to life in the mall.
The campaign had captivated shoppers with immersive, multi-sensory experiences that celebrated Chinese New Year traditions whilst creating modern, lifestyle-driven touchpoints. Pavilion Damansara Heights was transformed into a cultural wonderland with its 93-ft in length ‘Heights of Happiness’ diorama, produced in collaboration with the World Culture Organisation. The miniature masterpiece depicted nostalgic festive moments across history — from the grandeur of the China Five Dynasties Banquet Celebration and the bustling streets of Old Beijing, to the warmth of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year traditions and the legendary tales of ‘Journey to the West’ — which enchanted visitors with its craftsmanship and storytelling.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition from PPKM, which is especially meaningful as Pavilion Damansara Heights celebrates its very first award. Heights of Happiness was designed to blend heritage, artistry and lifestyle in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh, bringing people together to celebrate joy and tradition. This achievement is a testament to the creativity of our team and the strong support of our tenants and partners, and it reflects our vision for Pavilion Damansara Heights to grow as a destination where culture, lifestyle and community truly converge,” said Dato’ Joyce Yap, Chief Executive Officer of Pavilion Malls.
Adding to the visual spectacle were the giant 12-ft panda and 14-ft red bear sculptures, which served as iconic photo opportunities and anchors of joy within the mall’s décor. The festive atmosphere was further elevated by the Family Fun Zone, complete with a life-sized Snakes and Ladders game, and a series of cultural Chinese New Year booths offering handicrafts, festive goods and traditional delights for families to enjoy together.
For further engagement with their shoppers, Pavilion Damansara Heights also rolled out exclusive festive redemptions including limited-edition premiums, collectibles and tenant-driven rewards. In celebration of artistry and tradition, the mall had also partnered with the Calligraphy Society of Malaysia to design an exclusive ang pow set featuring the Chinese character for happiness. Shoppers were also treated to a calligraphy art exhibition and complimentary calligraphy art giveaways. By weaving together art, culture and retail, the campaign successfully reinforced the mall’s positioning as a destination where happiness, lifestyle and community converge.
As Kuala Lumpur’s latest lifestyle retail destination, Pavilion Damansara Heights offers a curated mix of retail, dining and leisure experiences within a vibrant urban environment. The success of the ‘Heights of Happiness’ campaign and this award have cemented the mall’s place as an emerging icon of lifestyle and community engagement in the Klang Valley, and a benchmark for experiential retail excellence in Malaysia. For more information, please visit https://pavilion-dh.com.
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WATSONS MALAYSIA CELEBRATES BIGGEST MEMBER REWARDS WITH A NEW HOME TO BE WON
Celebrating Watsons Club's 15th Anniversary with Daily Members' Rewards and Exclusive Member Offers for All Members.
Watsons Malaysia is celebrating the 15th anniversary of Watsons Club, the nation’s largest health and beauty loyalty programme, with its Biggest Rewards campaign. The campaign, starting from today until 1 October 2025, will feature many exclusive member deals, exciting events, and, for the 5th consecutive year, the chance to win a brand-new home.
This year’s grand prize is a dream home at Centrum Iris in the scenic Cameron Highlands, developed by LBS Bina Group Berhad (LBS). One lucky Watsons Club member will walk away with a modern residence featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, complete with lifestyle amenities such as a Fitness Lounge, Sky Yoga, Kids Play Zone, Games Lounge, Pool Deck, and more.
Watsons Club members who shop in-store or online between 1 September and 27 October 2025 with a minimum spend of RM50 using any VISA card will be eligible to participate. To participate in the contest, members simply need to make a purchase and submit their entry via the link below: https://survey.aswatson.net/WISE/index.php/survey/index
Launched in 2010, Watsons Club has grown into Malaysia’s leading and most rewarding loyalty programme, now boasting over 8 million members nationwide. Over the years, both Watsons Club and Watsons Club Elite members have enjoyed unparalleled rewards from trips, gadgets, and cars to exclusive passes for workshops, events, and experiences that money can’t buy.
This anniversary campaign not only marks a significant milestone but also reaffirms Watsons’ commitment to continuously rewarding its members with unbeatable offers, everyday benefits, and life-changing opportunities, solidifying its position as the country’s top loyalty programme in health and beauty retail.
With the recent recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for having the “Most Merchant Touchpoint in a Membership Rewards Programme”, members can enjoy daily rewards through W Rewards, with redemptions starting from as low as 10 points. From free ice cream and F&B treats to petrol vouchers, Watsons shopping vouchers, and more, members can maximise the value of their loyalty points across over 5,000 merchant locations nationwide. These rewards go beyond Watsons’ stores, giving members access to free vouchers across a wide network of retail partners in Malaysia.
Throughout September, Watsons Club members will get 10x points on selected products and exclusive deals, including 80% off their second item. Members will also stand a chance to receive a free Watsons Club Giant Shopping Bag (GWP) with a minimum spend of RM80 in-store, while stocks last.
As part of the celebration, Watsons is hosting the Biggest Rewards Expo from 2 to 7 September 2025 at the LG Oval, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. During the expo, Watsons Club members can redeem exciting W Rewards products with points, and members will also enjoy exclusive Gift With Purchase (GWP) with a minimum spend at the expo.
The celebration continues at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur, from 25 to 28 September 2025, where the Biggest Rewards Expo will feature over 100 brands and merchants. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of rewards at the W Rewards Zone, along with exclusive member deals and exciting surprises.
Watsons Malaysia welcomes the nation to join the Watsons Club loyalty program with amazing perks such as a lifetime membership. Sign up as a Watsons Club member for just RM25 and receive a membership card with Touch ‘n Go NFC functionality along with 1,000 welcome points upon activation, making it easier than ever to shop, save, and earn rewards.
Download the Watsons MY App today to unlock exclusive offers and enjoy an RM20 voucher on your first in-app purchase by using the code: FIRST20.
Find out more about Watsons’ Biggest Rewards campaign, visit https://www.watsons.com.my/membership.
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Celebrating 45 Years: Sime Motors Powers Ahead as Malaysia’s Automotive Market Leader
Sime Motors proudly celebrates its 45th anniversary, marking nearly five decades of growth, innovation and leadership in Malaysia’s automotive industry. Since its establishment in 1980, Sime Motors has evolved into Malaysia’s largest automotive retailer with the largest market share, shaping the nation’s mobility landscape with a world-class portfolio of brands and services.
Today, Sime Motors represents renowned global automotive brands in Malaysia, including BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, BYD, DENZA, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Porsche as well as Auto Selection for used cars, Drivecare and EV Next for EV used cars. The breadth of brands represented by Sime Motors positions it as a one-stop mobility powerhouse, innovative performance and everyday mobility.
Over the past 45 years, Sime Motors has been at the forefront of Malaysia’s automotive transformation – from introducing cutting-edge technologies to delivering premium ownership experiences and driving the nation’s transition into the future of electric mobility. With an unwavering commitment to customer-first excellence, Sime Motors has consistently redefined automotive retail and aftersales services in Malaysia.
“Sime Motors’ 45-year journey has been instrumental to the Group’s long-standing commitment to innovation, sustainability and creating value for our customers,” said Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime. “The Motors business is an important growth driver for Sime, and we are proud to see how Sime Motors has become a trusted name in Malaysia and a key force in the region’s mobility landscape. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities, particularly in electric mobility and to the wider Asia Pacific market.”
“This milestone is not just a celebration of our legacy but a reaffirmation of our vision for the future,” said Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Motors. “For 45 years, we have had the privilege of driving alongside Malaysians through every milestone, every journey and every generation. At Sime Motors, we will keep driving innovation, creating solutions and building customer trust at the core of everything we do.”
45 Years of Milestones
Setting the groundwork since 1980 in Malaysia, Sime Motors has achieved many defining milestones that have shaped Malaysia’s automotive landscape.
Today, Sime Motors proudly stands as Malaysia’s number one automotive retailer, trusted by generations of customers nationwide.
As Sime Motors reflects on 45 years of leadership and innovation, the company also sets its sights on the future by accelerating its push into electric mobility, pioneering in digital retail experiences and sustainable automotive solutions across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
At the heart of its progress in the automotive business are the people of Sime Motors. The company has been dedicated to nurturing the development of its employees by investing in training, enabling them to grow alongside the business. This commitment ensures Sime Motors’ workforce is equipped to deliver outstanding customer experiences and stay ahead in a dynamic automotive landscape.
Anniversary Celebrations
To mark its 45th anniversary, Sime Motors has lined up exciting nationwide initiatives, including:
Visit www.simemotors.com.my for more information.
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Chosen from among 10 finalists, Beijing AIForce Technology impressed judges with its autonomous, low-carbon electric tractors
PepsiCo, a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, is proud to announce Beijing AIForce Technology as the winner of the 2025 Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) program in Asia Pacific (APAC). Beijing AIForce was recognized for its autonomous, low-carbon e-tractors, which represent an emerging solution for advancing sustainable farming.
Now in its third year, GHAC is PepsiCo’s flagship initiative dedicated to nurturing an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration in Asia Pacific. The program supports breakthrough startups driving impact in sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and climate resilience. It offers each finalist a $20,000 USD non-dilutive grant, mentorship from PepsiCo executives, access to an extensive network of PepsiCo partners, and an opportunity for a potential pilot, which enables participants to refine their innovations, tackle real-world challenges, and validate their solutions within PepsiCo’s ecosystem.
Beijing AIForce Technology clinches top prize
The agri-tech startup’s initial tests have shown encouraging results, such as the potential to ease pressures on farmers by combining automation, affordability, and sustainability in one solution. The innovation also shows strong alignment with PepsiCo Positive (pep+), the company’s global sustainability strategy.
Beijing AIForce Technology’s autonomous, low-carbon electric tractors could help address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture, including rising costs, ageing rural workforces, and the urgent need for agricultural resilience. The company integrates robotics, data, and automation with the aim of facilitating smarter farms capable of operating day and night.
Beijing AIForce Technology has designed autonomous, low-carbon electric tractors that integrate robotics, data, and automation to enable farms to operate more efficiently, including continuous day-and-night operations.
As the 2025 winner, Beijing AIForce Technology will receive prize money of $100,000 USD.
Dr. Han Wei, Founder & CEO, Beijing AIForce Technology said, “We are incredibly honored to be named the winner of this year’s PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator in Asia Pacific. Participating in this program has been a game-changer for us. The mentorship, connections, and insights we’ve gained have sharpened our strategy and opened doors to new opportunities. We’re grateful to PepsiCo for believing in our potential, and look forward to what’s ahead.”
“After three editions, the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator has shown that the real test of sustainability innovation is not the idea itself, but whether it works where it matters—in the field, on the line, and in the market,” said Anne Tse, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Asia Pacific. “The strength of this program is how it connects founders with the scale of our value chain and the discipline to measure both environmental and economic outcomes. Each year, we’re building a stronger pipeline of solutions across circular economy, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience that can support the long-term transformation of our industry. This year’s winner reflects that journey—moving from vision to viability—and adds to the momentum of a program that is now firmly embedded in APAC’s innovation ecosystem.”
Empowering startups to scale: GHAC 2025 highlights
This year’s cohort featured 10 startups from Australia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea, each receiving tailored guidance from PepsiCo’s global experts, previous program winners, and investment experts in the sustainability domain. This mentorship ensures each finalist receives support to advance their sustainability-focused solutions through knowledge sharing and collaboration on pain points such as growth challenges, refining business strategies, and scalability.
Key program components included:
Startups involved in this year’s GHAC also reported clear outcomes, including finalist Endua discovering three new market opportunities through program connections. Several finalists also launched pilot deployments with PepsiCo or partners across APAC markets, generating measurable sustainability impact through tests in the PepsiCo value chain.
These pilots enabled testing and iteration of breakthrough ideas, including Beijing PHAbuilder Biotechnology Co. Ltd.’s Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) film development; Bali Waste Cycle’s low-value plastic (LVP) regeneration center; Beijing AIForce Technology’s autonomous electric tractors, and Service Enviro SCAD Inc.’s solution that transforms organic waste into a clean, nutrient-rich resource. These real-world pilots provide valuable data, feedback, and commercial traction, helping startups refine strategies and accelerate growth.
The five-month journey culminated in a final event in Shanghai, where all 10 startups showcased their progress. A diverse panel of cross-sector experts evaluated the finalists based on their innovation, feasibility, scalability, and progress through the program:
Following careful deliberation, Beijing AIForce Technology was chosen for its outstanding potential and practical approach that could help address farm costs, labor shortages, and carbon emissions. Early benchmarking on PepsiCo farms has shown encouraging results, including reduced operating costs and significant emissions savings, suggesting a pathway for wider adoption in sustainable farming.
A proven platform for growth: GHAC alumni in action
GHAC’s commitment doesn’t end when each year’s program comes to a close. It is a long-term ecosystem built on lasting partnerships, consistently delivering first-of-its-kind pilots that achieve significant traction:
These success stories show how GHAC is dedicated to catalyzing innovation beyond the program, helping startups gain confidence, strengthen business models, grow operations, and expand their customer base.
Globally, GHAC has supported over 100 emerging startups who have delivered over $15 million USD in revenue growth since 2017. Over the last three years, the APAC edition of the program has awarded more than $1 million USD in grant and pilot funding to finalists and greenlit over 20 pilots.
“The Greenhouse Accelerator Program is driving how we advance pep+ in APAC. By giving early-stage innovators direct access to our business, we test and scale solutions that promote packaging circularity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate-resilient agriculture,” said Ashley Brown, Chief Sustainability Officer – APAC and India, PepsiCo. “Each edition expands this pipeline, with alumni and winners delivering pilots that align with the sustainability priorities of our industry and region. Many congratulations to Beijing AIForce Technology on their achievement in developing and testing low-carbon autonomous e-tractors for sustainable farming. Their work demonstrates the kind of solution making an impact today. I am excited to see them build on their experience in GHAC and continue to scale in the years ahead.”
PepsiCo congratulates Beijing AIForce Technology and all 2025 finalists for their dedication to driving sustainable change.
Applications for the 2026 Greenhouse Accelerator Program will open soon. The company invites all aspiring startups to stay tuned for more details.
For more information about PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator, visit the website https://greenhouseaccelerator.com/, LinkedIn, or X.
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Samsung Malaysia Kicks Off Solve for Tomorrow 2025 to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators
Samsung Malaysia and Universiti Malaya challenge youth to reimagine the future through STEM-powered solutions
Samsung Malaysia Electronics (“Samsung Malaysia”) is thrilled to kick off the seventh edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) 2025. This nationwide competition continues to empower young minds to harness the power of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to address real-world challenges in their communities. With the theme ‘Start with Can’, Malaysian students aged 13 to 15 are invited to turn bold ideas into STEM-driven solutions for local issues, from sustainability to wellbeing. Winners stand a chance to take home Samsung products worth up to RM117,000, along with the opportunity to showcase their ideas on a national stage.
In collaboration with Universiti Malaya, SFT 2025 is part of Samsung’s global youth education and innovation campaign. It encourages Malaysian students to apply STEM knowledge and creative problem-solving skills to address the pressing issues in their communities. This year’s competition invites participants to explore one of the four key themes, including environmental sustainability through technology, social change via sport and tech, health and wellbeing or education and learning. The campaign comes at a crucial time, as the country faces a growing talent outflow, with over 1.8 million Malaysians seeking better opportunities abroad. By nurturing homegrown innovation and digital literacy, Samsung SFT 2025 supports the national agenda outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The plan positions technology and artificial intelligence as key drivers of future growth.
Elaine Soh, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Malaysia Electronics, shared, “Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow has always been about encouraging young Malaysians to think creatively and apply what they have learned in the classroom in meaningful ways. We are proud to support students as they explore practical solutions to real challenges regardless of within their communities or beyond. Through this year’s installment of Solve for Tomorrow, we hope to nurture essential skills and inspire a mindset of innovation that will benefit Malaysia’s future. ”
“We believe Malaysian youth are vital pillars of our nation’s future. Their creativity knows no bounds, and we are confident that these young minds have the potential to change the world,” said Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of Universiti Malaya STEM Centre. “As educators, we always encourage them to think beyond the ordinary, embrace challenges, and stay resilient. Collaborating with Samsung for the sixth consecutive year, this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing early-stage STEM education, a crucial step in building the talent pool that will drive Malaysia’s economic growth.”
Samsung SFT 2025 invites secondary school students across Malaysia to submit an 800-word proposal showcasing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Students must base their ideas on one of the four key themes: environmental sustainability through technology, social change via sport and tech, health and wellbeing, or education and learning. Submissions will be evaluated by Samsung Malaysia and Universiti Malaya based on key criteria including issue relevance, creativity, feasibility, STEM application and overall presentation.
The top 10 teams will advance to the next stage, where they will further develop and present their ideas. Shortlisted entries will be notified via email and feature on the program’s official website in October 2025. The 10 teams will then be introduced to their mentors in the Design to Win Workshop, where they will receive guidance and support throughout the competition to help refine their concepts and build working prototypes.
The winners will be determined through a competitive pitching process in December 2025. Prizes include:
Registration is now open and participants have until 21 September 2025 to submit their entries.
Stay updated by following Samsung Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. You can also revisit last year’s winning presentations at SFT – Winners | Samsung Malaysia.
For more information about SFT 2025, please visit https://www.samsung.com/my/solvefortomorrow/2025/
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